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Chile and Argentina: at the Edge of the Map
There are places on Earth where geography ceases to be lines on a map and becomes a living force. Between Patagonia, the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego, borders were not drawn by treaties but shaped by wind, glaciers and the sea. For centuries, European explorers regarded these lands as the "end of the world"—a remote and unforgiving frontier to conquer or simply pass through.
We invite you on a journey that challenges the idea that every trip belongs to just one country. Crossing the border between Chile and Argentina, we will embrace a way of travelling beyond political boundaries, following the geography of nature rather than the conventions of nation states.
Chile and Argentina share some of the planet's most spectacular landscapes. Divided by the majestic Andes yet connected by a common natural and cultural heritage, they offer a Patagonia where mountains, glaciers and ocean meet in remarkable harmony.
Through authentic experiences, far from the most travelled routes, we will discover not only the extraordinary beauty of this region but also the stories, cultures and people who call it home. More than a journey across a continent, this is an invitation to shift perspective—to experience the margins of the world, where nature still sets the rhythm of time.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Borders of Memory
In Santiago and Buenos Aires, we will explore the wounds and resilience of Latin America's recent history—from the presidency of Salvador Allende to the military dictatorships, and the ongoing journeys of remembrance and resistance. We will also retrace the story of Italian emigration, reflecting on its causes, hopes and the lasting impact that millions of migrants had on the countries that welcomed them.
The Liquid of the South
We will sail through the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, Francisco Coloane Marine Park and Los Glaciares National Park, discovering one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. Along the way, we may encounter humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, penguins and cormorants—species that have made some of the world's most extreme waters their home. This will also be an opportunity to understand the fragility of these ecosystems and the environmental challenges they face today.
Wind, Resilience and Patagonia
We will share meals and conversations with the people who live and work in these remote landscapes. Spending a night at a traditional Patagonian estancia, we will experience the daily life of the gauchos and enjoy the iconic asado al palo(Patagonian spit-roasted lamb). In Puerto Almanza, we will be welcomed into the home of the Beagle Channel's only female boat captain, who will share what it means to make a living from artisanal fishing, navigating tides, seasons and the growing pressures of industrial fisheries.
The People Erased from the Maps
We will follow the traces of the Selk'nam, Tehuelche and Yámana peoples, who inhabited these lands for thousands of years. Together, we will reflect on the campaigns of extermination and forced assimilation that accompanied the colonisation of Patagonia during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and on the consequences of nation-building in Chile and Argentina. Rock art around Lago Argentino and the stories encountered throughout the journey will help restore a face, a history and a dignity to those who lived here long before colonial maps existed.
Crossing the River
We will cross the Río de la Plata by ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. A short stretch of water will become an opportunity to understand how a river can simultaneously divide and unite two nations, two identities and a deeply intertwined history.
TRIP PURPOSE
After centuries of resource exploitation, violence against Indigenous communities and profound transformations of the landscape, Patagonia has become one of the world's most compelling examples of how tourism can support both environmental and cultural conservation.
In two countries where the relationship between economic development, nature conservation and social justice remains an ongoing debate, travelling to the end of the world offers the opportunity to experience one of the few destinations where environmental protection and the wellbeing of local communities often take precedence over the demands of mass tourism.
Throughout the journey, we will explore concrete examples of how thoughtfully designed tourism can generate meaningful benefits for both the land and the people who inhabit it. We will meet professionals who have chosen a different path—one based on small groups, genuine relationships and the quality of each experience—demonstrating that tourism can be both economically sustainable and deeply respectful.
We will also share practical tools to help distinguish genuine sustainability from marketing claims, providing criteria that travellers can apply long after this journey has ended, making more informed and responsible choices wherever they go.
This trip has been designed with the following principles:
- Travel sustainably without compromising comfort.
- Work exclusively with independent local suppliers and boutique, often family-run, accommodations.
- Promote responsible tourism as a form of civic awareness, capable of generating a positive impact on both the places we visit and the communities that live there.
What's included
- Accommodation: accommodation in carefully selected 3★ and 4★ hotels, or similar, as per the itinerary.
- Transport: international flights from Rome to Santiago de Chile and from Buenos Aires to Rome, including one 8 kg carry-on bag and one 23 kg checked bag; domestic flights: Santiago–Punta Arenas, El Calafate–Ushuaia and Ushuaia–Buenos Aires, including one 8 kg carry-on bag and one 23 kg checked bag.
- Activities: All transfers, excursions and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary. Italian-speaking local guide and tour leader accompanying the group from Italy.
- Other: Support from an ORMA coordinator throughout the trip
- Insurance: AXA Tripy 360 travel insurance, including medical cover and trip cancellation insurance (supplement of €160 for travellers aged 71 and over).
- Food: Breakfasts as indicated in the itinerary, plus 3 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 light lunches during the navigation excursions.
What's not included
- Food: Meals are not included where not specified in the itinerary.
- Transport: Transfers to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport.
- Other: Mandatory gratuities (€80 per person, payable in cash locally).
- Everything not specifically listed under “What’s Included."
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
Cancellation Policy
If the traveller cancels the booking, the following cancellation charges will apply:
- 30% of the total trip price from the date of booking until 10 September 2026.
- 60% from 10 September 2026 to 10 November 2026.
- 80% from 11 November 2026 to 15 December 2026.
- 100% from 16 December 2026 until the departure date.
However, if the trip status is marked as "Confirmed" or "Last tickets", there's no need to worry - it means the minimum number of participants has already been met.
ITINERARY
19/01 – Rome • Santiago de Chile
Departure from Rome Fiumicino Airport on a scheduled flight to Santiago de Chile, via Atlanta. Overnight on board.
20/01 – Santiago de Chile
Arrival in Santiago de Chile in the morning, completion of customs formalities and private transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will begin discovering the Chilean capital with a guided visit of its most iconic landmarks. We will explore the historic centre, admiring La Moneda Palace, the seat of the Presidency of the Republic, the lively Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucía, the hill where Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541 and which today offers one of the city's most spectacular viewpoints.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Almasur Santiago 4★ or similar.
21/01 – Santiago de Chile • Punta Arenas
Private transfer to the airport and flight to Punta Arenas, the historic city overlooking the Strait of Magellan and the gateway to Chilean Patagonia.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.
The afternoon will be dedicated to a pleasant walk through the historic centre of Punta Arenas, a city whose wealth was built during the golden age of navigation through the Strait of Magellan. Walking among elegant European-style buildings, Plaza Muñoz Gamero and the waterfront, we will begin to experience the authentic atmosphere of southern Patagonia.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Almasur Punta Arenas or similar.
22/01 – Francisco Coloane Marine Park
Early morning departure to Punta Arenas harbour, where we will board one of the most exciting wildlife experiences of the journey.
Sailing along the legendary Strait of Magellan, we will reach Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area and one of the most important habitats for humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere.
During the navigation, we will pass Cape Froward, the southernmost point of mainland South America, crossing remote and spectacular landscapes. Once inside the park, we will have the chance to observe humpback whales, which inhabit these waters during the summer season, as well as numerous marine birds, cormorants, skuas and sea lion colonies. With some luck, we may also spot orcas that occasionally visit this area.
Lunch served on board during the excursion.
Return to Punta Arenas in the afternoon.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Almasur Punta Arenas or similar.
23/01 – Magdalena Island • Puerto Natales
After breakfast, transfer to the harbour for the boat trip to Magdalena Island, one of the main breeding sites of Magellanic penguins in South America.
Crossing the waters of the Strait of Magellan, we will reach this protected island, where a walk along the trails will allow us to observe thousands of penguins in their natural habitat, together with cormorants and sea lions. A snack will be served on board during the navigation.
After returning to Punta Arenas, we will continue by private bus towards Puerto Natales, crossing the vast landscapes of Chilean Patagonia.
In the evening, we will be welcomed at a traditional Patagonian estancia, where we will enjoy a typical Chilean dinner in an authentic and warm atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight stay at Estancia Dorotea or similar.
24/01 – Torres del Paine National Park
Full day dedicated to exploring Torres del Paine National Park, considered one of the most spectacular natural areas in the world and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Along the way, we will first stop at the Milodón Caves, a site of great archaeological and paleontological importance, before entering the heart of the park.
The day will unfold through extraordinary landscapes: Laguna Sofía, Cerro Prat, Lago Porteño, Mesa and Ballena hills, until reaching the shores of the impressive Grey Lake, where, weather conditions permitting, we will enjoy a short walk.
After lunch, we will continue exploring the park, visiting Salto Grande, Lake Nordenskjöld and Laguna Amarga, with several scenic stops to admire the iconic granite peaks of the Torres and the local wildlife, including guanacos, foxes and numerous bird species.
Return to Puerto Natales in the late afternoon.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Estancia Dorotea or similar.
25/01 – El Calafate • Lago Argentino
After breakfast, departure by bus towards the Argentine border and continuation to El Calafate, a charming town located on the shores of Lake Argentino and the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.
After hotel check-in, in the late afternoon we will enjoy a truly special experience along the shores of the lake.
The excursion will begin with a stop at the Cliff Viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view over Lake Argentino and the Andes mountain range. We will then visit an important archaeological site preserving ancient rock paintings created more than 4,000 years ago by the first inhabitants of Patagonia, a testimony to the millenary human presence in these lands.
The day will end inside a spectacular natural cave overlooking the lake, where a dinner inspired by Patagonian traditions will be served—an experience combining gastronomy, history and extraordinary landscapes in a unique setting.
Return to El Calafate.
Overnight stay at Hotel Rincón del Calafate or similar.
26/01 – Los Glaciares National Park • Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast, transfer to the private harbour for a full-day cruise through Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the largest ice fields on Earth.
Navigation on Lake Argentino will take us first towards Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo, before reaching the majestic Spegazzini Glacier, the highest glacier in the park, with ice walls rising over 130 metres.
We will disembark at Las Vacas Station, where a pleasant walk accompanied by local guides will allow us to discover the region's flora and fauna, as well as the remains of an old settlement of the first colonists.
The cruise will continue through Upsala Channel towards Herminita Peninsula, a privileged viewpoint from which to admire the impressive Upsala Glacier. Lunch served on board during the excursion.
In the afternoon, we will enter the Canal de los Témpanos, where one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey awaits us: approaching the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world still considered to be in a state of natural equilibrium and an undisputed symbol of Argentine Patagonia.
Return to the harbour and transfer to the hotel.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Rincón del Calafate or similar.
27/01 – El Calafate • Ushuaia
Free morning to explore the centre of El Calafate, browse local handicraft shops or simply relax before departure.
After a free lunch, private transfer to the airport and flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, located on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the mountains of Tierra del Fuego.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Beagle Canal Hotel or similar.
28/01 – Puerto Almanza and the Flavours of the Beagle Channel
After breakfast, we will head towards the eastern coast of Tierra del Fuego, following a scenic route through forests, peat bogs and lagoons until reaching the shores of the Beagle Channel.
Along the way, we will stop at some of the most beautiful viewpoints, including Victoria Lagoon and Brown Bay, where we will observe the iconic Árboles Bandera—trees shaped over time by the constant force of the southern winds.
We will then continue to Puerto Almanza, a small fishing village overlooking the Beagle Channel, renowned for its artisanal king crab fishing.
A little beyond the village, we will be welcomed into the home of one of the region's most renowned fisherwomen, the only female captain operating on the Beagle Channel. Here, we will enjoy an authentic culinary experience, tasting locally sourced seafood prepared according to traditional recipes while sharing stories about the deep connection between these communities and the southern sea.
Return to Ushuaia in the afternoon.
Free dinner and overnight stay at Beagle Canal Hotel or similar.
29/01 – Beagle Channel Navigation and Tierra del Fuego National Park
After breakfast, we will board a boat for a navigation through the legendary Beagle Channel, one of the most iconic natural landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.
During the excursion, we will reach Isla Alicia, home to a large colony of South American sea lions, and nearby Isla de los Pájaros, inhabited by Imperial and Magellanic cormorants. We will then continue towards the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, built in 1919 and now a symbol of Ushuaia.
The navigation will also include a landing on Bridges Island, where we will follow an easy nature trail discovering the local flora and learning about the history of the Yámana people. From the island’s viewpoint, we will enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Beagle Channel and the mountains surrounding Ushuaia.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits will be served on board.
After a free lunch, we will continue with a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, established in 1960 to protect the southernmost forests of the continent.
Away from the most crowded routes, the excursion will take place in small groups along quieter trails leading to some of the park’s most peaceful corners. A pleasant walk of approximately 4.5 km will bring us to the Bahía Lapataia viewpoint, one of the most impressive locations in Tierra del Fuego, surrounded by forests, mountains and the waters of the Beagle Channel.
At the end of the excursion, transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival, private transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
30/01 – Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
After breakfast, transfer to the harbour and departure by ferry across the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in Uruguay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, Colonia still preserves the charm of its history, with cobbled streets, colonial houses, tree-lined squares and ancient fortifications that tell the story of centuries of rivalry between the Portuguese and Spanish empires.
The day will be dedicated to exploring its enchanting historic quarter, considered one of the best-preserved in South America.
31/01 – Buenos Aires • Return to Italy
After breakfast, morning guided visit of Buenos Aires, one of South America's most fascinating cities, where European elegance blends with Latin American spirit.
During the city tour, we will discover some of the Argentine capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the colourful streets of La Boca, elegant Recoleta and the modern waterfront area of Puerto Madero, offering a perfect introduction to the many faces of the city.
After the visit, free time until the private transfer to the airport in time for the return flight to Italy.
Overnight and meals on board.
01/02 - 02/02 – Arrival in Italy
Arrival in Italy and end of our services.
Chiara Grotti is a traveller, economist, travel designer and passionate animal lover.
Her connection with Latin America began even before she was born. Her mother named her Chiara after the heroine of one of Isabel Allende's most celebrated novels, unknowingly passing on a lifelong passion for Latin American literature.
Years later, the world she had first imagined through the pages of books became reality. After moving to Chile, those stories turned into bustling avenidas, lasting friendships, endless landscapes and glasses of Austral beer shared at the end of long days on the road.
More than twelve years after her first encounter with South America, Chiara has transformed that passion into her profession, specialising in designing journeys that explore each destination with authenticity, respect and depth. Every itinerary is created not only to showcase extraordinary places, but also to celebrate the people who live there, the biodiversity that makes these landscapes unique and the small local businesses that preserve the identity of these countries.
For Chiara, travel is above all about creating connections—between people, cultures and nature—allowing every experience to contribute, in its own way, to protecting what makes these places so extraordinary.
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